Dendritic cell-specific antibodies and method for their preparation

Abstract

This invention describes methods for generating antibodies specific for activation antigen CMRF-44 on activated dendritic cells, and antibodies produced by the method. The use of such antibodies, including monoclonal antibody CMRF-44, in immunological-based processes and systems for purifying and/or identifying activated dendritic cells is also described.

I claim: 
     
       1. Hybridoma cell line CMRF-44(ATCC CRL 11482). 
     
     
       2. Monoclonal antibody CMRF-44 which is secreted by hybridoma cell line CMRF-44 (ATCC CRL 11482) which binds to an epitope on activated human dendritic cells. 
     
     
       3. A process for purifying activated dendritic cells from a sample containing such activated dendritic cells comprising the steps of: (i) contacting said sample with monoclonal antibody CMRF-44 produced by hybridoma ATCC CRL 11482; and   (ii) recovering activated dendritic cells which have bound to said antibody.   
     
     
       4. A purification system for use in purifying and/or concentrating activated dendritic cells from a sample containing such cells which includes monoclonal antibody CMRF-44 produced by hybridoma ATCC CRL 11482. 
     
     
       5. A purification system as claimed in claim 4 in which antibody CMRF-44 is biotinylated.